Top 100 Employers: Gen Z’s Favourite Employers Revealed

Ever wondered what Gen Z’s look for in a casual job while they are studying?

They might be the newest generation to the workforce, but they are set to make up 27 per cent of the workforce by 2025.

And by 2031, they’ll become the dominant generation in the workforce.

When it comes to Gen Z’s who are looking for casual jobs however, they are quite clear about what they want and what they are looking for.

In collaboration with Workplacer, Student Edge’s market research arm YouthInsight surveyed approximately 1000, 15-24 year olds to find out what the next generation of high school and university students are looking for in a workplace.

What top things Gen Z Aussies want in an employer

One of the most important things Gen Z value in an employer is a competitive salary with 56 per cent of those surveyed rating this as most important.

Among the things Gen Z value from a workplace, 44 per cent wanted opportunities to advance their careers and 35 per cent wanted to work for a company who are committed to being socially responsible.

To round out top five, 31 per cent wanted a creative workplace. And 27 per cent wanted an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

Which company came out on top?

Overall Apple was the overall winning employer according to those surveyed.

Survey participants were drawn to working for the company due to their previous positive customer experiences and interest working for a tech giant with a reputation like Apple. They felt that working for a notable company might also prove useful to future employers.

Young Australians also looked favourably at the chance of accessing employer benefits and rewards (employee discounts) as a staff member at Apple.

Gen Z’s Top 10 Favourite Employers Revealed

Following Apple, the Top 10 employers according to Gen Z were Woolworths, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Kmart, Movie World, HOYTS, IKEA, Coles and The Sydney Opera House.

Student Edge Co-Founder, Damien Langley says the survey into the Top 100 Aussie Employers for Gen Z provides valuable insights to multiple industries on how to attract the best young talent to their business.

“Gen Z and the next wave of Aussie talent have different expectations to previous generations, they’re chasing a competitive salary in industries that resonate with them where they can feel a part of a great diverse and inclusive workplace culture,” says Langley.

“The 2024 YouthInsight report showcases the Top 100 Aussie companies where Gen Z wants to work and why. We’re able to give companies a deep analysis of where they can improve, where they’re going well and the role that word of mouth, a strong online presence and customer experience plays in being an attractive prospect to the next generation looking for work or casual and part time opportunities.”

Workplacer CEO, Mark Robertson says it’s a unique and competitive time for Australian employers to attract young talent into their business and teams need to be dialled into what the next generation want from work and a workplace.

“54% of those who are employed are unhappy and looking for work, that’s a crazy stat, also deeply insightful for businesses in Australia actively looking for bright young talent to join their teams, half of young workers in the country are actively on the hunt for new opportunities,” Mr Robertson said.